The Commission is to present its long-awaited review of the Lisbon agenda on 2 February. In line with the report prepared last year by the high-level group of experts, chaired by Wim Kok, the Commission wants to refocus the Lisbon agenda on growth and jobs through fewer and clearer priorities.
In the introduction to the communication, the Commission states that sustainable development is the general framework for the Lisbon strategy: "The Commission proposes to refocus the Lisbon agenda on actions that promote jobs and growth in a manner that is fully consistent with the objective of sustainable development".
The Commission also thinks it is essential that member states and social partners take ownership of the Lisbon agenda. It therefore proposes to build a "partnership for growth and jobs". This partnership should lead to a Lisbon Action Programme focussing on three main areas:
- making Europe a more attractive place to invest and work;
- knowledge and innovation for growth;
- creating jobs.
The Commission wants to streamline the reporting procedures and mobilise other actors (member state governments and parliaments, social partners and citizens). Member states will be asked to define national Lisbon action plans and to nominate a 'Mr or Mrs Lisbon'. The European Parliament will also be able to play its role in the definition of the community reforms needed.
